Thursday, May 10, 2012

Healthy Gifts for Moms

Mother's Day is fast approaching.  How are you going to say "thanks" and "I love you" to your mother this year?  Here are some healthy alternatives to a box of candy and flowers to show your appreciation to mom.
  1. Dark Chocolate - If your mom loves candy then why not treat her to a dose of heart healthy, dark chocolate.  Health benefits include decreasing stroke risk, protecting the skin, and boosting mom's mood.
  2. Fruit - Edible arrangements are gaining popularity.  Talented "fruit sculptors" can transform your mom's favorite fruits into a beautiful (and edible) bouquet.  This will also help your mom get her minimum of 5 servings of fruit and she will reap the benefits of all of the vitamins and minerals.
  3. Sweat Equity - Is your mom a fitness-fanatic?  Is she hoping to start on her own exercise program?  How about the gift of fitness?  Get your mom a gift certificate to a local gym or yoga studio.  Buy her some of her favorite exercise clothes/shoes.  Sweat equity goes a long way!!
  4. Tea - Make your mom a beautiful basket of teas and a pretty mug or teapot.  Tea contains less caffeine than coffee and is packed with antioxidants.  Also, some teas have heart healthy properties such as lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and risk of heart disease and stroke.  With a variety of flavors, you can design (or purchase) a well-rounded, healthy basket for mom!
  5. Home Spa Kit - Is your mom always on the go?  Is she busy doing everything for everyone else but forgets to treat herself?  Put together a nice little home spa kit.  Add scented bath salts, a loofah, stress-reducing scented candles, even a nice bottle of wine so your mom can relax and enjoy some peace and quiet for a change.  Not possible for her to relax at home?  Then go for the professional help with a gift certificate for a massage or manicure/pedicure.  A few minutes for your mom can make a lasting impression!
  6. Sleep-Inducing Bedding - Help your mom improve the quality of her sleep with a set of organic cotton sheets.  As she slips into bed every night, these soft-as-silk sheets will wrap her in comfort and allow her body to get the relaxation and sleep she so deserves.
  7. Sight-Saving Specs - Is your mom an outdoorsy woman?  Why not treat her to a pair of sight-savers with polarized lenses and big enough frames to fully cover her eyes.  Some brands are even made out of sustainable nylon to help protect the environment while they protect your mom's eyes!!
  8. Hydration - Improve your mom's water intake by getting her a BPA-free water bottle.  With lots of pretty colors and designs, you are sure to find a bottle that will suit your mom's taste.  Water is important for weight loss and to allow the body to function at its peak performance.  Help your mom by getting her something she enjoys drinking out of and looks cool carrying!
  9. Clean Air - What???  You didn't read that incorrectly.  Improve the air quality in your mom's house by giving her house plants that help clean toxins out of the air she breathes.  Ferns and palms, peace lily, English ivy, and rubber plants all help to rid the air of pollutants and toxins while also helping to control internal humidity.  Give your mom a gift of fresh air!
  10. Gift of Love - Finally, and most importantly, how about giving your mom some quality bonding time.  Spend some extra time with her walking through the park or enjoying a lunch/dinner with just the two of you.  Treat her with love and tell her how much she means to you.
These are just a few ideas on how you can celebrate that wonderful woman in your life...your mother.  
Happy Mother's Day!!!

No comments:

Post a Comment